Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, also called “Pearl Bridge”, is located in Japan and considered as Japan’s finest engineering feat. Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge in the world with a length of 3911 meters (12,831 ft). The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge serves as a link between the city of Kobe and Iwaya by crossing the Akashi strait. The construction was finished in a span of 12 years which actually begin in the year 1986 and completed in the year 1998. The bridge plays an important role in providing three routes across the inland sea.
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge applies some of the best architectural design and technology across the three spans. The Akashi Kaikyō Suspension Bridge has been designed to withstand earthquakes and harsh sea conditions. The Kobe earthquake in January 17, 1995 is an example of the bridge’s strength.
History
Before the construction of the bridge, boats and ships (ferries) were used to carry passengers and vehicles across the Akashi strait. The Akashi strait is an international waterway approximately 1500 meters wide and serves as a shipping lane. The Akashi strait waterway was a dangerous waterway prior to the construction of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. In 1955, a severe storm came upon the area, in which two ferries sunk, resulting in the death of 168 people. As a result, the Japanese government developed a suspension bridge to cross the strait. Originally, the plan was to construct a railway along with a road bridge. But the construction was restricted to a road bridge consisting of 6 lanes.
Construction Details
Central span – 1,991 metres (6,532 ft)
Steel – 181,000 tonnes ( It is said that total stell cable used in this bridge could encircle the entire world 7 times.)
Workers – 2 Million
Time- 10 years
Concrete – 1.4 million cubic metres
Steel – 181,000 tonnes ( It is said that total stell cable used in this bridge could encircle the entire world 7 times.)
Workers – 2 Million
Time- 10 years
Concrete – 1.4 million cubic metres
The bridge is constructed by using two main cables which strech between two towers. The road is supported by other cables which are eventually tied up with main cables. Two large anchor blocks on either end support this gigantic structure.
